Covering for graves



Oct. 18, 1932. P. E. S'CHROEDER 1,882,986

COVERING FOR GRAVES Filed July 13, 1931 W AT i ORNEY ing a covering of sod.

Patented Oct. 18, 1932 UNITED STATES PAUL EDMUND SCI-IROEDER,

OF FORT WAYNE, INDIANA COVERING FOR GRAVES Application filed July 13,

This invention relates to improvements in coverings for graves especially to be applied immediately after interment and the filling of the grave as an ornament simulat- The object of the invention is to provide means readily applicable to a grave upon completion of the earthen filling following interment that will shelter from view the earthen filling of the grave.

An illustrative example of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 is a plan view of a grave covering in which the invention is embodied;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section projected from Fig. 1 on the line 2-2 thereof;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the central portion of the covering including a vase in connection therewith;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section projected from Fig 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view of a covering and one of its anchoring pins; and

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the center portion of the covering.

The invention as shown in the illustrations consists of a mat 1 constituted of a base sheet 2 of burlap or similar fabrication having a superimposed decorative covering 3 composed of garland strips such as to resemble grass. This material is in common use and is applied to the base sheet by sewing the garland strips to the sheet in any suitable formation. The mat thus formed has the resemblance of-an expanse of sod and is proportioned as to length and breadth so as to completely cover and conceal the earthen filling 4 of a new grave and with marginal portions 5 extending beyond the filling.

The marginal portions 5 of the mat have secured thereto at intervals anchoring pins 6, each consisting of a shaft of wire formed with a straight shank 7 and a contiguous circular head 8 that is attached to the mat in any suitable manner such as by sewing the mat and the head together.

One of the features of the invention consists in the provision of an opening 9 made in the center of the mat for the reception of a vase 10. The opening is made in the mat 1931. Serial no. 550,510.

by providing two slits 11 that extend at right anglesto each other and intersect at their middle portions. In this manner there are afforded a series of flaps 12 composed of the material of the base sheet and its cover ing that normally close the opening as when the flaps lie flat in the plane of the mat. Each flap has therein an eyelet 13, and a cord 14 is threaded through the eyelet in each flap in successive order so that by drawing and tying the ends of the cord together the flaps are held in closed position. Or, by loosening the cord the flaps may be raised and the vase 10 may then be inserted through the opening 9 and partially imbedded in the underlying earthen filling 4. By drawing the cord 14L and tying its ends together the flaps become nested about the adjacent wall of the vase and tend to obscure it from view. When the vase is filled with flowers so that their foliage overhangs its top the vase is thereby completely concealed and the floral decoration is held in place upon the grave. Upon removal of the vase the flaps may be again drawn into closed position and the cavity concealed from view.

The anchor pins 6 being permanently secured by their heads to the base sheet are inseparable therefrom and may be turned inwardly beneath the sheet when the sheet is folded or wound into a roll for convenience of transportation. In applying the mat to a newly filled grave, the anchor pins are initially inserted into the ground and then downward pressure is applied to their heads. In this manner the mat is firmly staked in place and the grave filling completely concealed.

By forming the anchor pins with the rounded heads and securing the heads to the base-sheet, after the anchor pins have been properly positioned, their heads are flush with the marginal portions of the base-sheet so as not to form obstructions such as to interfere with operations of mowing or trimming of the lawn about the grave.

I claim:

1. A grave covering consisting of a basesheet having superimposed thereon a decoration of garland material, constituting a mat, said mat having intersecting slits to provide an opening for a vase and corresponding flaps for closing said opening, said flaps having eyelets therein, a cord threaded through said eyelets for securing said flaps about a vase when inserted in said opening or to secure said flaps so as to close said opening, and a series of anchor pins each having a circular head attached to a marginal portion of said mat substantially flush With said basesheet.

2. A grave covering consisting of a basesh-eet having a superimposed decoration simulating grass and constituting a mat, said mat having flaps to provide an opening therein for the reception of a vase, which flaps normally close said opening, and means for securing said flaps in closed position or about the vase when positioned in said opening.

In testimony whereof I afix my signature.

PAUL EDMUND SCHROEDER. 

